PhD Studentship: Quantifying Ecosystem Service Provision of Kelp Farming for Nutrient Removal and Coastal Protection

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Home fees covered

Tax-free annual living allowance £21,?

Award duration 3.5 years

Job summary

Newcastle University invites applications for a prestigious PhD studentship focusing on kelp ecosystem services. The project involves collating evidence, assessing wave attenuation by farmed kelp, and quantifying nutrient uptake/removal while modelling ecosystem services over space and time.

The award covers UK Home fees and provides a tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate) for 3.5 years, with start date 4 January 2027 and closing date 18 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 Honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (e.g. Marine Biology, Ecology, Biology).
• HSE SCUBA diving qualification or CMAS 3* or above is required.

Responsibilities

• Collate existing evidence on kelp ecosystem service provision.
• Determine the wave attenuation potential of farmed kelp.
• Quantify the role of kelp in uptake and removal of nutrients.
• Model kelp ecosystem services through space and time.

Skills

SCUBA diving

Marine Biology background

Education

2:1 Honours degree in Marine Biology/Ecology/Biology

Job description

Award summary

100% Home fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate) plus additional research funds.

Overview

• 1) Collate existing evidence on kelp ecosystem service provision
• 2) Determine the wave attenuation potential of farmed kelp
• 3) Quantify the role of kelp in the uptake and removal of nutrients
• 4) Model kelp ecosystem services through space and time.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 4 January 2027

Award duration: 3.5 years

Application closing date: 18th November 2026

Sponsor: Newcastle University

Name of supervisor/s

• Prof Pip Moore (Newcastle University) https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/people/profile/pipmoore.html
• Prof Clare Fitzsimmons (Newcastle University) https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/people/profile/clarefitzsimmons.html
• Dr Dan Smale (Marine Biological Assocation) https://www.mba.ac.uk/staff/dr-daniel-smale/

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (e.g. Marine Biology, Ecology, Biology).

You should also hold an HSE SCUBA diving qualification or equivalient (i.e. CMAS 3* or above).

The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria).

Contact Details

Prof Pip Moore – [e-mail]

£21,805 tax-free annual living allowance and 100% Home fees covered.